Insulated food and beverage container

ABSTRACT

An insulated container for food particulate and beverages is described. The insulated container includes a double-walled structure composed of a metal, and a glass structure arranged within a hollow interior of the double-walled structure. The glass structure includes a body and a sipping portion extending from the body. The sipping portion isolates the user&#39;s lips from contacting the double-walled structure. The glass structure may be repeatably removed for cleaning or replacement. The insulated structure includes a deformable flange that secures the glass structure to the double-walled structure. The insulated container may be vacuum-insulated.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/100,153 filed Aug. 9, 2018, which claims thebenefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/653,185 filed Apr. 5,2018. The entire contents of each of the applications listed above areincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

An insulated container for maintaining the temperature of food and/orbeverage contained therein is generally described. More specifically, aninsulated container having a vacuum-insulated outer container and aremovable glass insert that protects a user's lips from contacting theouter container, is described.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Maintaining the temperatures of food and beverages is vital to enjoyingthe complete characteristics they have to offer. Various types ofcontainers are used to maintain the temperatures of the contents (foodor beverage) of such containers. For instance, when beverages are placedin such containers, ice is often added to the beverages, such that thatthey are in contact with the ice and become cooler based on the contact.A disadvantage with such coolers is that once the ice melts, it dilutesthe beverage contained therein and the beverage may become warm. Anotherdisadvantage is that once the beverage has been in the container forsome time, large amounts of liquid (i.e., condensation) may form on theexternal surface of the container, which may make the container slipperyand cause it to fall out of the user's hands. This may be dangerous tothe user and others nearby, particular when the containers are made ofglass. In some instances, when the contents of the container are hot(such as soup or other heated food), the container may be too hot anduncomfortable to the user's hands.

Some insulating containers may be made of metals. While such metalliccontainers may provide insulative properties, a disadvantage with thesemetallic containers is that they may result in the leaching of metalsinto the food or beverages contained therein. Some metallic containersmay be made of stainless steel, which is often manufactured using anickel alloy, such as nickel-iron. Iron and nickel have been found toleach into some alkaline and acidic foods and beverages, which may behazardous to a user's/consumer's health.

In view of the disadvantages associated with presently available foodand beverage containers, there is a need for an insulating containerthat maintains the temperature of food or beverages, and prevents theformation of condensation on an external surface of the container.Additionally, there is a need for an insulating container that maintainsthe temperature of hot or cold food and/or beverages contained therein,while also reducing a user's exposure to leached metals.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

According to an aspect, the present embodiments may be associated withan insulated container. The insulated container includes a double-walledstructure. The double-walled structure is vacuum-insulated and iscomposed of a metal. A glass structure is arranged within a hollowinterior of the double-walled structure and may be removed for cleaningor replacement. The glass structure includes a body and a sippingportion extending from the body. The sipping portion protrudes from theopen end of the double-walled container, and provides hygienic/sanitaryprotection so that a user's lips do not come into contact with thedouble-walled structure. The insulated container further includes adeformable flange that secures the glass structure to the double-walledstructure.

According to an aspect, the present embodiments may also be associatedwith a vacuum-insulated container that maintains the temperature of hotor cold food and/or beverages contained therein. The vacuum-insulatedcontainer includes an inner container and an outer container spacedapart from the inner container so that a gap is formed between them. Thegap is evacuated of air, and the inner container and the outer containerare coupled and sealed at their respective open ends. Thevacuum-insulated container further includes a glass structure arrangedwithin the inner container, and a deformable flange that secures theglass structure to the inner container. Food and/or beverages positionedin the vacuum-insulated container are not in direct contact with theinner or outer containers, but receive the benefit of imparted by theevacuation of air between the inner or outer containers. The glassstructure includes a body and a sipping portion that extends from theopen ends of the inner and outer containers. The sipping portion allowsusers to drink from the vacuum-insulated container without having theirlips directly contact the inner and outer containers. The deformableflange may be compressed against an inner surface of the inner containerin order to secure the glass structure in place.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more particular description will be rendered by reference to specificembodiments thereof that are illustrated in the appended drawings.Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodimentsthereof and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of itsscope, exemplary embodiments will be described and explained withadditional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanyingdrawings in which:

FIG. 1A is a top down, perspective view of an insulated container,according to an embodiment;

FIG. 1B is a bottom, perspective view the insulated container of FIG.1A, illustrating a coaster according to an embodiment;

FIG. 1C is a side, perspective view of the insulated container of FIG.1A;

FIG. 1D is a top down, perspective view of an insulated container,according to an embodiment;

FIG. 1E is a bottom, perspective view the insulated container of FIG.1D, illustrating a coaster according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a double-walled structure of theinsulated container of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 3A is an exploded view of an insulated container including adeformable flange, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 3B is a partial perspective and exploded view of an insulatedcontainer including a gasket, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 3C is a perspective view of the gasket of FIG. 3B;

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a flange positioned on a glassstructure of the insulated container of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4B is another perspective view of a flange positioned on a glassstructure of the insulated container of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5A is a side view of a flange of the insulated container of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5B is a top view of the flange of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 5C is a top, perspective view of the flange of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 5D is a side, perspective view of the flange of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6A is a side, perspective view of an insulated container, accordingto an embodiment;

FIG. 6B is a top down, perspective view of the insulated container ofFIG. 6A;

FIG. 6C is a top down, perspective view of the insulated container ofFIG. 6A, illustrating an inner surface and stepped portions of adouble-walled structure, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 6D is a side, perspective view of an insulated container having afrustoconical shape, according to an aspect;

FIG. 6E is a top down, perspective view of the insulated container ofFIG. 6D;

FIG. 6F is a side, perspective of a glass structure of the insulatedcontainer of FIG. 6D;

FIG. 7 is a side, perspective view an insulated container, illustratingindentations formed in an external surface of the container, accordingto an aspect;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a vacuum-insulated containerincluding inner and outer containers, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 9A is a side view of an insulated container, illustrating bilateralindentations formed in an external surface of the container of FIG. 1A;and

FIG. 9B is side view of an insulated container, illustrating bilateralindentations formed in an external surface of the container of FIG. 1D.

Various features, aspects, and advantages of the embodiments will becomemore apparent from the following detailed description, along with theaccompanying figures in which like numerals represent like componentsthroughout the figures and text. The various described features are notnecessarily drawn to scale, but are drawn to emphasize specific featuresrelevant to some embodiments.

The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and arenot meant to limit the scope of the description or the claims. Tofacilitate understanding, reference numerals have been used, wherepossible, to designate like elements common to the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For purposes of illustrating features of the embodiments, examples willnow be introduced and referenced throughout the disclosure. Thoseskilled in the art will recognize that these examples are illustrativeand not limiting, and are provided purely for explanatory purposes.

FIGS. 1A-3B, 6A-7 and 9A-9B illustrate an insulated container 10, and itassociated components. The insulated container 10 may include adouble-walled structure 20, which may be vacuum-insulated. The type ofmaterial selected to form the double-walled structure 20 may be based atleast in part on the material's capability for repeated and long-termuse. According to an aspect, the double-walled structure 20 is composedof a metal, such as stainless steel. The type of metal selected for thedouble-walled structure may be based, at least in part, on its strength.For example, the double-walled structure 20, when made of stainlesssteel, may have superior strength-to-weight ratio, which may help toform a more stable insulated container 10, as compared to containerscomposed of aluminum, glass, ceramic, or various plastic materials.

The double-walled structure 20 includes a closed end/base 22 and an openend/rim portion 24. As illustrated in FIGS. 1B and 1E, the closed end 22is generally planar and may include a raised platform/coaster 70. Thecoaster 70 may be dimensioned so that it covers less than a totalsurface area of the closed end 22. The coaster 70 may include and/or beformed from materials that reduce friction between the double-walledstructure 20 and smooth/slippery surfaces, such as glass, granite, wood,and the like. According to an aspect, the coaster 70 is formed from avariety of materials, including rubber, plastic, and foam, as would beunderstood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The coaster 70 may helpstabilize the insulated container 10 when the insulated container 10 ispositioned on slippery surfaces. The coaster 70 may help preventpotential spill of contents of the insulated container 10 and, in someinstances, damage of the surface on which it is placed.

A side wall 26 extends between the closed and open ends 22, 24. The sidewall 26 and the closed end 22 together form a hollow interior/internalspace 28, which receives materials or additional structures/containerstherein. According to an aspect, the side wall 26 has a generallycircular cross-section (see, for example, FIG. 6B) along at least aportion of its length L1 (FIG. 1C). As illustrated in FIGS. 1D-1E, theouter diameter of the double-walled structure 20 may increase from theclosed end 22 to the open end 24. According to an aspect and asillustrated in FIGS. 1A-1C, the side wall 26 is contoured so that it hasa generally convex outer surface 27 close to the closed end 22. In thisconfiguration, the outer diameter of the double-walled structure 20 mayincrease from the closed end 22 to an intermediate position 26 a alongthe side wall 26 (FIGS. 1A-1B, and 2), and decrease from theintermediate position 26 a to the open end 24, so that the double-walledstructure 20 has a contoured side wall 26. In an embodiment, and asillustrated in FIG. 1D and FIG. 1E, the side wall 26 is contoured sothat it has a generally convex outer surface 27 close to the open end24. The contoured side wall 26 may provide increased available space(that may be subjected to a vacuum) between walls of the double-walledstructure.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, FIGS. 6B-6C and FIG. 6E, the double-walledstructure 20 may include at least one stepped portion 29 formed in itsinner surface 25. The stepped portion 29 is illustrated as partiallyextending from the open end 24 towards the closed end 22. The innersurface 25 of the double-walled structure 20 may be generally planar,with the stepped portion 29 having an increased inner diameter. Asillustrated in FIG. 2, the double-walled structure 20 has a first innerdiameter ID2 along the stepped portion 29, and a second inner diameterID3 extending from the stepped portion 29 to the closed end 22. Thefirst inner diameter ID2 may be greater than the second inner diameterID3, which may help facilitate securing an additional structure withinthe hollow interior 28, as described in detail hereinbelow. According toan aspect and as illustrated in FIG. 2, the second inner diameter ID3may be substantially uniform from the stepped portion 29 towards theclosed end 22 of the double-walled structure 20. In an embodiment, thesecond inner diameter ID3 may gradually decrease from the steppedportion 29 towards the closed end 22 of the double-walled structure 20to receive a glass structure 30 (as seen in, for instance, FIGS. 6D-6F).

According to an aspect and as illustrated in FIG. 7, the double-walledstructure 20 may include a plurality of indentations 50 formed in itsouter surface 27. The indentations 50 may be recessed areas/depressionsformed in the side wall 26. The indentations 50 may be recessed from theoverall structure, and according to one aspect the indentions 50maintain an outwardly rounded/curved surface (i.e., bowed area) or aflattened area. In the illustrated embodiment, the indentations 50extend from the closed end 22 of the double-walled structure 20 to anintermediate position between the closed end 22 and the open end 24.However, other possibilities are contemplated. In an embodiment, theindentations 50 are configured as rectangular-shaped areas, the longersides of the rectangular-shaped areas extending from the closed end 22towards the open end 24. The indentations 50 partially extend from theouter surface 27 inward towards the inner surface 25 of thedouble-walled structure 20, and may function as grip areas/surfaces forplacement of the user's fingers to help provide a more secure/stablegrip for a user of the insulated container 10. According to an aspectand as illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6D and FIG. 7, the indentions 50 mayinclude one of more raised tactile portions 52 (such as stamped letters,numbers, or markings) that further help to enhance the user's grip onthe insulated container 10. The tactile portion 52 may include raised orindented (not shown) areas. The indentations 50 may also enhance theuser's comfort when holding the insulated container 10, accessing thecontents of the insulated container 10, or pouring or drinking from theinsulated container 10. In some embodiments, the indentations 50 mayspan more than 50% of a length L1 of the double-walled structure 20. Theindentations 50 may span from about 50% to about 85% the total length L1of the double-walled structure 20. According to an aspect, theindentations 50 may be from about 30 mm to about 40 mm wide.

In an embodiment and as illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the indentations50 are bilateral indentations 50 (i.e., a pair of indentations) formedon opposite portions of the outer surface 27 of the double-walledstructure 20. It is to be understood, however, the number ofindentations 50 provided on the outer surface 27 may be modified. Forinstance, a single indentation 50 may be formed in the double-walledstructure 20. According to an aspect, 3, 4, 5, or more indentations 50may be provided.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1E, FIGS. 3A-3B, FIGS. 4A-4B, FIGS. 6A-6B,FIGS. 6D-6E and FIG. 7, the insulated container 10 further includes aglass structure 30. The glass structure 30 is configured for receivingfood and beverage therein, so that the food and beverage does notcontact the double-walled structure 20. The glass structure 30 isdimensioned to be removably arranged within the hollow interior 28 ofthe double-walled structure 20. When arranged and secured within thedouble-walled structure 20, the glass structure 30 may be protected frombreakage, which may occur if a glass vessel slips and falls from auser's hands. According to an aspect, the glass structure has a lengthL3 that is less than (see, for instance, FIG. 6D) or substantially thesame as (not shown) the length L1 of the double-walled structure 20.

According to an aspect, the glass structure 30 includes a body 36 havingan open upper end 37 and a base end (second end or closed end) 34. Thebody 36 may be formed with a variety of shapes that facilitatearrangement of the glass structure 30 within the double-walled structure20. According to an aspect and as illustrated in FIG. 6D-6F, the body 36may taper from the upper end 37 towards the base end 34, such that thebody 36 has a frustoconical shape. In an embodiment and as illustratedin FIG. 6A, the body 36 is configured as a substantially cylindricalstructure. The dimensions of the glass structure 30, and its upper end37, range from amounts effective for retaining food and/or beveragewithin the glass structure 30, and removing the food and/or beveragetherefrom.

The glass structure 30 further includes a sipping portion 32 extendingfrom the open upper end 37 of the body 36. According to an aspect and asillustrated in FIG. 1C, FIGS. 3A-3B, FIGS. 4A-4B, FIGS. 6A-6B, and FIGS.6D-6F, the sipping portion 32 includes a shoulder 31 b, a sipping end 31a, and a side wall 33 extending between the sipping end 31 a and theshoulder 31 b. According to an aspect, the side wall 33 extends aroundthe upper end 37 of the glass structure 30. The side wall 33, includingthe shoulder 31 b protrudes from the upper end 24 of the double-walledstructure 20. According to an aspect and as illustrated in FIG. 6F, theside wall may be substantially straight/linear. In an embodiment, theside wall 33 of the sipping portion 32 flares outwardly, with an outerdiameter OD4 of the sipping end 31 a being greater than an outerdiameter OD1 of the shoulder 31 b. According to an aspect, the sippingportion 32 flares inwardly, with the outer diameter OD4 of the sippingend 31 a being less than the outer diameter OD4 of the shoulder 31 b.According to an aspect and as illustrated in FIGS. 7-8, the side wall 33is outwardly bowed/curved, which may enhance a user's comfort whendrinking or sipping from the container 10.

As illustrated in FIG. 6F, the shoulder 31 b of the sipping portion 32is seated on top of the open end 24 of the double-walled structure 20.The sipping end 31 a of the sipping portion 32 extends away from theopen end 24, thereby preventing users from directly contacting theirlips to the double-walled structure 20. This may eliminate orsubstantially reduce the risk that users will directly contact theirlips with the material used to make the double-walled structure (such asmetallic materials).

The glass structure 30 further includes an outer diameter OD2 along thebody 36, extending from the upper end 37 to the base end 34. Accordingto an aspect the outer diameter OD2 of the body 36 is less than theouter diameters OD1, OD4 of the sipping and shoulder ends 31 a, 31 b ofthe sipping portion 32. The outer diameter OD2 of the body 36 may beless than a first inner diameter ID2 of the double-walled structure 20,so that the body 36 of the glass structure 30 can be disposed in thehollow interior 28 of the double-walled structure 20, with only thesipping portion 32 outwardly extending therefrom. According to anaspect, when the glass structure 30 is disposed in the hollow interior28 of the double-walled structure 20, a total length L2 of the container10 is greater than the length L1 of the double-walled structure 20.

As illustrated in FIG. 1A, FIG. 1D and FIG. 6F, the glass structure 30may further include one or more stepped interior portions (recesses orcontours) 39 at the sipping portion 32. The stepped interior portion 39is formed in the inner surface of the glass structure 30. The steppedinterior portion 39 may aid in enhancing a user's comfort when drinkingfrom the container.

As illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3B, FIGS. 4A-4B, FIGS. 6A-6B, and FIGS.6D-6E, the insulated container 10 further includes a deformable flange40. The deformable flange 40 is positioned around the body 36 of theglass structure 30, so that when the glass structure 30 is positionedwithin the hollow interior 28 of the double-walled structure, thedeformable flange 40 is compressed between the glass structure 30 andthe inner surface 25 of the double-walled structure. The deformableflange 40 may help to protect the glass structure 30 from breaking whenthe glass structure 30 is secured in the double-walled structure 20 bythe deformable member 40.

According to an aspect, the inner surface 25 of the double-walledstructure 20, along the stepped portion 29, includes a plurality of ribs(not shown) that receive the protrusions 44 of the deformable flange 40.This may help facilitate a semi-permanent attachment of thedouble-walled structure 20 to the glass structure 30.

FIGS. 4A-4B and FIGS. 6A-6B, 6D and 6F illustrate the generallypositioning of the deformable flange 40. The deformable flange 40 may bepositioned on the glass structure 30 from the second end, and moved uptowards the shoulder end 31 b of the sipping portion 32. FIG. 4Aillustrates the deformable flange 40 extending around the body 36 of theglass structure 30 in a spaced apart configuration from the sippingportion 32. As illustrated in FIGS. 4B, 6A-6B, 6D and 6F, the deformableflange 40 may be positioned adjacent the shoulder end 31 b of thesipping portion 3230.

FIGS. 5A-5D illustrate the deformable flange 40 in more detail. Thedeformable flange 40 includes a main body 42 that is able to conform tothe shape of the glass structure 30. In an embodiment, when positionedaround the body 36 of the glass structure 30, the deformable flange 40has a generally cylindrical (FIG. 6A) or a generally conical orfrustoconical shape (FIGS. 6D and 6F).

It is contemplated that the deformable flange 40 may be secured to theglass structure 30 by a friction fit. Additional securing mechanisms maybe provided on surfaces of the deformable flange 40 to aid with securingthe flange 40 onto to the glass structure 30 and to double-walledstructure 30. According to an aspect, an inner surface 43 of thedeformable flange 40 includes a plurality of threads for engaging withcorresponding threads formed on the body 36 of the glass structure 30(not shown). As illustrated in FIG. 5B, FIG. 5C and FIG. 5D, the innersurface 43 of the deformable flange is smooth, which may facilitate easeof placement around the body 36 of the glass structure 30. The threadsof the deformable flange 40 and optionally, the threads on the body 36of the glass structure 30, may be one of continuous threads orinterrupted threads. As used herein, “continuous threads” may mean anon-interrupted threaded closure having a spiral design (e.g., extendingaround the skirt like a helix), while “interrupted threads” may mean anon-continuous/segmented thread pattern having gaps/discontinuitiesbetween each adjacent thread.

According to an aspect and as illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5D, the threadsmay be a plurality of protrusions 44 that extend from an outer surface41 of the body 42. The plurality of protrusions may becontinuous/uninterrupted (i.e., formed contiguously around the main body42 of the flange 40. According to an aspect and as illustrated in FIGS.5B-5D, the protrusions 44 may be interrupted (i.e., having multiplesegments, or the protrusions 44 being spaced apart from each other, thatextend generally around a circumference of the body 42).

The protrusions 44 of the deformable flange 40 are flexible and engagethe inner surface 25 of the double-walled structure 20. According to anaspect, the deformable flange 40 engages the inner surface 25 of thedouble-walled structure 20, at the stepped portion 29. The deformableflange 40 may be composed of any material that is flexible, and may berepeatably compressed and/or is able to maintain compression for anextend period of time. According to an aspect, the deformable flange 40is composed of at least one of rubber, plastic, and silicone. Thedeformable member may be made by formed by an injection molding process,or in any other suitable manner.

The deformable flange 40 has an inner diameter ID1 and an outer diameterOD3. The inner diameter ID1 of the deformable flange 40 may besubstantially the same size as, or slightly less than, the seconddiameter OD2 of the body 36 of the glass structure 30. This allows thedeformable flange to be secured to the body 36 without slipping off.According to an aspect, the outer diameter OD3 of the deformable flange40, includes the protrusions 44, and is greater than the inner diameterID2 of the double-walled structure 20. When the deformable flange 40 issecured to the glass structure 30, and the glass structure 30 includingthe deformable flange is arranged in the hollow interior 28 of thedouble-walled structure 20, the deformable flange 40 is compressedbetween the inner surface 25 of the double-walled structure 20 and theglass structure 20.

According to an aspect and as illustrated in FIG. 3B, the container 10includes a gasket 60. The gasket 60 may be secured between the glassstructure 30 and the double-walled structure 20. The gasket 60 engageswith the inner surface 25 of the double-walled structure 20, at thestepped portion 29, and the body 36 of the glass structure 30, adjacentthe lip portion 33. The gasket 60 may be utilized with or without thedeformable flange 40 positioned between the structures 20, 30. Accordingto an aspect, when the container 10 includes the gasket 60 and thedeformable flange 40, the gasket 60 is adjacent the lip portion 33 ofthe glass structure 30, and the deformable flange 40 is adjacent thegasket 60, such that the gasket 60 is sandwiched between the shoulderportion 31 b of the sipping portion 32 of the glass structure 30 and thedeformable flange 40.

The gasket 60 may help secure the glass structure 30 to thedouble-walled structure 20. According to an aspect and as illustrated inFIG. 3C, the gasket 60 includes a plurality of threads 62 extendingalong at least one of its inner 61 surface and outer surface 63. Thethreads 62 may be continuous threads or interrupted threads, selected,at least in part, on the corresponding threads formed on at least one ofthe body 36 of the glass structure 30 and the inner surface of thedouble-walled structure (at the stepped portion). The gasket may bedimensioned similar to the deformable flange 40, described hereinabove,with inner and outer diameters that facilitate its ability to seal areasbetween the glass structure 30 and the double-walled structure 20, aswell as secured the glass and double-walled structures 30, 20 together.

According to an aspect, the gasket 60 helps seal against theintroduction of food contents and fluids in areas between the glassstructure 30 and the double-walled structure 20. The gasket 60 may helpto absorb vibration around the glass structure 30, and prevent the glassstructure 30 from breaking in the event that the container 10 falls froma surface or out of a user's hands. The gasket 60 may be formed fromplastic, silicone, rubber, or any type of material that provides sealingand shock absorption properties. According to an aspect, the gasket 60may be positioned between the shoulder end 31 b of the sipping portion32 and the deformable member 40.

Embodiments of the disclosure are further directed to a vacuum-insulatedcontainer 10′. The vacuum-insulated container/insulated container 10′may be configured substantially as described hereinabove with respect toFIGS. 1A-3B, 6A-7 and 9A-9B.

As shown in FIG. 8 and according to an aspect, the vacuum-insulatedcontainer 10′ includes an inner container 21 a, and an outer container21 b spaced apart from the inner container 21 a (the inner and outercontainers 21 a, 21 b may function as the double-walled structure 20described hereinabove and illustrated in FIGS. 1-3B, 6A, 6B and 7). Theinner and outer containers 21 a, 21 b may both be formed of a metal,such as stainless steel. A plurality of indentations 50, substantiallyas described hereinabove and illustrated in FIG. 7 may be formed in anexternal surface 27 of the outer container 21 b. The indentations 50facilitate a comfortable use of the vacuum-insulated container 10′. Theinner container 21 a has a generally cylindrical shape, while the outercontainer 21 b has is contoured so that it is generally bell-shaped. Agap 23 is formed between the inner and outer containers 21 a, 21 b. Thegap 23 between is devoid of air by virtue of creating a vacuum betweenthe inner and outer containers 21 a, 21 b. The created vacuum reducesthe number of molecules present in the gap 23 that could potentiallytransfer heat by conduction.

Each of the inner and outer containers 21 a, 21 b includes a closed end22′, 22″ and an open end 24′, 24″. A side wall 26′, 26″ extends betweeneach of the respective closed ends 22′, 22″ and respective open ends,24′, 24″ of the containers 21 a, 21 b. The inner container 21 a and theouter container 21 b are coupled and sealed along their respective openends 24′, 24″ so that external air is prevented from passing through theseal and into the gap 23. This may retard the transference of heat byconduction and/or convection, so that food particulates and/or beveragespositioned in vacuum-insulated container 10′ do not gain or lose heat.

The inner container 21 a includes at least one stepped portion 29 formedin its inner surface 25. As described hereinabove with respect to thedouble-walled structure 20, the stepped portion 29 partially extendsfrom the open end 24′ towards the closed end 22 of the inner container21 a. The stepped portion 29 is configured for engaging at least one ofa deformable flange 40 and a gasket 60, which secures a glass structure30 that is inserted into the inner container 21 a. The deformable member40 and gasket 60 may be configured substantially as describedhereinabove and illustrated in FIGS. 3C and 5A-5D. According to anaspect, the inner container 21 a includes a first inner diameter ID2along the stepped portion 29, and a second inner diameter ID3 extendingfrom the stepped portion 29 to the closed end 22′. The first innerdiameter ID2 is greater than the second inner diameter ID3, whichfacilitates the positioning/placement of the deformable flange 40 and/orthe gasket 60 adjacent the stepped portion 29.

The vacuum-insulated container 10′ further includes a glass structure 30arranged within a hollow interior 28 of the inner container 21 a, andthe deformable flange 40 circumferentially extending around the glassstructure 30. In this embodiment, the glass structure 30 is similar tothe glass structure 30 illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1E, FIGS. 3A-3B, FIGS.4A-4B, FIGS. 6A-6B, and FIGS. 6D-6F, and described hereinabove. Thus,for purposes of convenience and not limitation, the various features,attributes, and properties, and functionality of the glass structure 30and the deformable flange 40 discussed in connection with FIGS. 1A-1E,FIGS. 3A-3B, FIGS. 4A-4B, FIGS. 6A-6B, and FIGS. 6D-6F are not repeatedhere.

The glass structure 30 is dimensioned to partially fit in the innercontainer 21 a of the vacuum-insulated container 10′, with its sippingportion 32 extending from the hollow interior 28 of the inner container21 a. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the shoulder end 31 b of the sippingportion 32 extends over the respective open ends 24′, 24″ of thecontainers 21 a, 21 b. It is contemplated that the upper end 37 of thebody 36 of the glass structure 30 may be secured to the open ends 24′,24″, at least in part by the deformable flange 40 extending around thecircumference of the glass structure 30 and being secured at the steppedportion 29 of the inner container 21 a.

According to an aspect, the outer diameter OD2 of the body 36 of theglass structure 30 is less than the first inner diameter ID2 of theinner container 21 a, which helps to ensure that the body 36 may bereceived in the inner container 21 a. According to an aspect the outerdiameter OD2 of the body 36 is less than the outer diameters OD1, OD4 ofthe sipping and shoulder ends 31 a, 31 b of the sipping portion 32. Theshoulder portion 31 b may be seated at the open ends open end 24′, 24″of the inner and outer containers 21 a, 21 b.

The plurality of protrusions 44 of the deformable flange 40 engage theinner surface 25 of the inner container 21 a, and helps to retain theglass structure 30 within the hollow interior 28. According to anaspect, when the outer diameter OD3 of the deformable flange 40 isgreater than the inner diameter ID2 of the inner container 21 a, thedeformable flange 40 is compressed between the body 36 of the glassstructure 30 and the inner surface 25 of the inner container 21 a, whichmay help secure the inner container 21 a, the deformable flange, and theglass structure 30 together.

The present disclosure, in various embodiments, configurations andaspects, includes components, methods, processes, systems and/orapparatus substantially developed as depicted and described herein,including various embodiments, sub-combinations, and subsets thereof.Those of skill in the art will understand how to make and use thepresent disclosure after understanding the present disclosure. Thepresent disclosure, in various embodiments, configurations and aspects,includes providing devices and processes in the absence of items notdepicted and/or described herein or in various embodiments,configurations, or aspects hereof, including in the absence of suchitems as may have been used in previous devices or processes, e.g., forimproving performance, achieving ease and/or reducing cost ofimplementation.

The phrases “at least one”, “one or more”, and “and/or” are open-endedexpressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. Forexample, each of the expressions “at least one of A, B and C”, “at leastone of A, B, or C”, “one or more of A, B, and C”, “one or more of A, B,or C” and “A, B, and/or C” means A alone, B alone, C alone, A and Btogether, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B and C together.

In this specification and the claims that follow, reference will be madeto a number of terms that have the following meanings. The terms “a” (or“an”) and “the” refer to one or more of that entity, thereby includingplural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As such,the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” can be usedinterchangeably herein. Furthermore, references to “one embodiment”,“some embodiments”, “an embodiment” and the like are not intended to beinterpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments thatalso incorporate the recited features. Approximating language, as usedherein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modifyany quantitative representation that could permissibly vary withoutresulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related.Accordingly, a value modified by a term such as “about” is not to belimited to the precise value specified. In some instances, theapproximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrumentfor measuring the value. Terms such as “first,” “second,” “upper,”“lower” etc. are used to identify one element from another, and unlessotherwise specified are not meant to refer to a particular order ornumber of elements.

As used herein, the terms “may” and “may be” indicate a possibility ofan occurrence within a set of circumstances; a possession of a specifiedproperty, characteristic or function; and/or qualify another verb byexpressing one or more of an ability, capability, or possibilityassociated with the qualified verb. Accordingly, usage of “may” and “maybe” indicates that a modified term is apparently appropriate, capable,or suitable for an indicated capacity, function, or usage, while takinginto account that in some circumstances the modified term may sometimesnot be appropriate, capable, or suitable. For example, in somecircumstances an event or capacity can be expected, while in othercircumstances the event or capacity cannot occur—this distinction iscaptured by the terms “may” and “may be.”

As used in the claims, the word “comprises” and its grammatical variantslogically also subtend and include phrases of varying and differingextent such as for example, but not limited thereto, “consistingessentially of” and “consisting of.” Where necessary, ranges have beensupplied, and those ranges are inclusive of all sub-ranges therebetween.It is to be expected that variations in these ranges will suggestthemselves to a practitioner having ordinary skill in the art and, wherenot already dedicated to the public, the appended claims should coverthose variations.

The terms “determine”, “calculate” and “compute,” and variationsthereof, as used herein, are used interchangeably and include any typeof methodology, process, mathematical operation or technique.

The foregoing discussion of the present disclosure has been presentedfor purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing is notintended to limit the present disclosure to the form or forms disclosedherein. In the foregoing Detailed Description for example, variousfeatures of the present disclosure are grouped together in one or moreembodiments, configurations, or aspects for the purpose of streamliningthe disclosure. The features of the embodiments, configurations, oraspects of the present disclosure may be combined in alternateembodiments, configurations, or aspects other than those discussedabove. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflectingan intention that the present disclosure requires more features than areexpressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claimsreflect, the claimed features lie in less than all features of a singleforegoing disclosed embodiment, configuration, or aspect. Thus, thefollowing claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description,with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

Advances in science and technology may make equivalents andsubstitutions possible that are not now contemplated by reason of theimprecision of language; these variations should be covered by theappended claims. This written description uses examples to disclose themethod, machine and computer-readable medium, including the best mode,and also to enable any person of ordinary skill in the art to practicethese, including making and using any devices or systems and performingany incorporated methods. The patentable scope thereof is defined by theclaims, and may include other examples that occur to those of ordinaryskill in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within thescope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differfrom the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalentstructural elements with insubstantial differences from the literallanguage of the claims.

1. An insulated container comprising: an insulated double-walledstructure comprising a closed end, an open end, and a side wallextending between the closed and open ends, wherein the side wall andthe closed end together form a hollow interior; an insert structureremovably arranged within the hollow interior, the insert structurecomprising: a body having an open upper end and a base end, and asipping portion extending from the upper end, the sipping portioncomprising a sipping end and a shoulder end spaced apart from thesipping end, wherein the sipping portion protrudes from the open end ofthe double-walled structure, an outer diameter of the sipping end beinggreater than an inner diameter of the double walled structure, and theouter diameter of the shoulder end is greater than the inner diameter ofthe double walled structure; and a deformable flange extending aroundthe body of the insert structure adjacent the upper end of the body ofthe insert structure and retained in the hollow interior, wherein thedeformable flange comprises a main body and a plurality of protrusionsextending from the main body, and wherein an outer diameter of theprotrusions of the deformable flange is greater than the inner diameterof the double walled structure, such that the protrusions are compressedbetween the inner surface of the double-walled structure and an outersurface of the insert structure, thereby engaging the protrusions withthe inner surface of the double-walled structure and retaining theinsert structure within the hollow interior of the double-walledstructure.
 2. The insulated container of claim 1, wherein thedouble-walled structure comprises a metal.
 3. The insulated container ofclaim 2, wherein the double-walled structure comprises at least one of:a plurality of indentations formed in an external surface of thedouble-walled structure, wherein each indentation of the plurality ofindentations extends from the closed end of the double-walled structureto an intermediate position between the closed end and the open end; anda raised impression formed on the external surface of the double-walledstructure.
 4. The insulated container of claim 1, wherein the body ofthe insert structure has an outer diameter, wherein the outer diameterof the sipping end and the outer diameter of the shoulder end aregreater than the outer diameter of the body.
 5. The insulated containerof claim 1, wherein the insert structure comprises glass.
 6. Theinsulated container of claim 1, wherein the insulated double-walledstructure further comprises a stepped portion provided in an innersurface of the double-walled structure and extending partially from theopen end towards the closed end, wherein for a first length along thestepped portion, the inner diameter of the double-walled structure is afirst inner diameter, and for a second length extending from the steppedportion to the closed end, the double walled structure has a secondinner diameter, wherein the first inner diameter is greater than thesecond inner diameter and an outer diameter of the body of the insertstructure is less than the first inner diameter of the double-walledstructure.
 7. The insulated container of claim 1, wherein the insulateddouble-walled structure further comprises a stepped portion provided inan inner surface of the double-walled structure and extending partiallyfrom the open end towards the closed end, wherein for a first lengthalong the stepped portion, the inner diameter of the double-walledstructure is a first inner diameter, for a second length extending fromthe stepped portion to the closed end, the double walled structure has asecond inner diameter, the first inner diameter is greater than thesecond inner diameter and an outer diameter of the body of the insertstructure is less than the first inner diameter of the double-walledstructure, and the insert structure entirely comprises glass.
 8. Avacuum-insulated container comprising: an inner container comprising: afirst closed end; a first open end; and a first side wall extendingbetween the first closed end and the first open end; an outer containerspaced apart from the inner container so that a gap is formed betweeneach container, the outer container comprising: a second closed end; asecond open end; and a second side wall extending between the secondclosed end and the second open end, wherein the inner container and theouter container are coupled and sealed along the first open end and thesecond open end, the gap between the inner container and the outercontainer is evacuated of air, and the first side wall and the firstclosed end together form a hollow interior, and a stepped portion isformed in an inner surface of the inner container, the stepped portionextending partially from the first open end towards the first closedend; an insert structure removably arranged within the hollow interiorof the inner container, the insert structure comprising: a body havingan open upper end and a base end, and a sipping portion extending fromthe upper end, the sipping portion comprising a sipping end and ashoulder end spaced apart from the sipping end, wherein the sippingportion protrudes from the first open end and the second open end, anouter diameter of the sipping end being less than an outer diameter ofthe shoulder end, and the outer diameter of the shoulder end is greaterthan an inner diameter of the inner container; and a deformable flangeextending around the body of the insert structure, adjacent the shoulderend of the sipping portion, wherein the deformable flange comprises amain body and a plurality of protrusions extending from the main body,wherein an outer diameter of the protrusions of the deformable flange isgreater than the inner diameter of the inner container, such that theprotrusions are compressed between the inner surface of the innercontainer and an outer surface of the insert structure, thereby engagingthe protrusions with the inner surface of the inner container andretaining the insert structure within the hollow interior of the innercontainer.
 9. The vacuum-insulated container of claim 8, wherein theinner container and the outer container are formed from a metal.
 10. Thevacuum-insulated container of claim 8, wherein the outer containercomprises at least one of: a plurality of indentations formed in anexternal surface of the outer container, wherein each indentation of theplurality of indentations extends from the second closed end to anintermediate position between the second closed end and the second openend of the outer container; and a raised impression formed on theexternal surface of the outer container.
 11. The vacuum-insulatedcontainer of claim 8, wherein the insert structure comprises glass. 12.The vacuum-insulated container of claim 8, wherein for a first lengthalong the stepped portion, the inner diameter of the inner container isa first inner diameter and, for a second length extending from thestepped portion to the first closed end, the inner container has asecond inner diameter, wherein the first inner diameter is greater thanthe second inner diameter.
 13. The vacuum-insulated container of claim8, wherein the body of the insert structure has an outer diameter, andthe outer diameter of the sipping end and the outer diameter of theshoulder end are greater than the outer diameter of the body.
 14. Aninsulated container comprising: an insulated double-walled structurecomprising a closed end, an open end, and a side wall extending betweenthe closed and open ends, wherein the side wall and the closed endtogether form a hollow interior; an insert structure removably arrangedwithin the hollow interior, the insert structure comprising: a bodyhaving an open upper end and a base end, and a sipping portion extendingfrom the upper end, the sipping portion comprising a sipping end and ashoulder end spaced apart from the sipping end, wherein the sippingportion protrudes from the open end of the double-walled structure, anouter diameter of the sipping end being dimensionally different than anouter diameter of the shoulder end, and the outer diameter of theshoulder end is greater than an inner diameter of the double walledstructure; and a retaining mechanism configured to removably retain theinsert structure within the hollow interior of the insulateddouble-walled structure.
 15. The insulated container of claim 14,wherein the retaining mechanism comprises: a deformable flange extendingaround the body of the insert structure adjacent the upper end of thebody of the insert structure, wherein the deformable flange comprises amain body and a plurality of protrusions extending from the main body,and wherein an outer diameter of the protrusions of the deformableflange is greater than the inner diameter of the double walledstructure, such that the protrusions are compressed between the innersurface of the double-walled structure and an outer surface of theinsert structure, thereby engaging the protrusions with the innersurface of the double-walled structure and retaining the insertstructure within the hollow interior of the double-walled structure. 16.The insulated container of claim 14, wherein the retaining mechanismcomprises a gasket secured between the insert structure and thedouble-walled structure, wherein the gasket is adjacent the shoulder endof the insert structure.
 17. The insulated container of claim 16,wherein the gasket comprises: a plurality of threads extending along aninner surface of the gasket and along an outer surface of the gasket,wherein the threads extending along the inner surface of the gasket areconfigured to engage with corresponding threads of an external surfaceof the insert structure, and the threads extending along the outersurface of the gasket are configured to engage with correspondingthreads of an inner surface of the double-walled structure.
 18. Theinsulated container of claim 14, wherein the outer diameter of thesipping end is less than the outer diameter of the shoulder end.
 19. Theinsulated container of claim 14, wherein the insert structure comprisesglass.
 20. The insulated container of claim 14, wherein thedouble-walled structure comprises a metal.